HIV positive mental health providers.

Sep 10, 2011

Do you have any information on HIV+ mental health providers that are open about their status and provide counseling service for HIV+ people?

Response from Dr. Fawcett

I don't know of any resources where you can find such information nor do I believe that it's necessary for a provider to be positive in order to be compassionate or understand the issues. As in the case of a therapist treating gay clients who may or not be gay, mental health providers working in the HIV/AIDS field are usually drawn to the work out of their desire to improve the quality of life of persons living with the virus, no matter what their own status. More important to good therapeutic results are interpersonal qualities that enhance the therapeutic alliance and which create a comfortable atmosphere for good interaction.

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